The station is calling on aspiring radio presenters from all over the country as the Good Hope FM Presenter Search 2026 has opened for entries.
The station confirms that the oppurtunity is open to both experienced and inexperienced individuals. Candidates based in Cape Town, as well as those prepared to relocate for a significant professional opportunity, stand to gain industry exposure and training with one of South Africa's stations in the Mother City, says the radio station.
Entries to the search for Mzansi's radio talent are now open on the Good Hope FM app for iOS and Android, and will close at midnight on Friday, 13 March, where aspiring presenters can submit their entries.
Live, in-person auditions, hosted by Kyeezi from The Great Drive, will take place on Saturday, 14 March at the SABC Auditorium in Sea Point, where entrants will meet the judges to showcase their on-air talent, before a Top 10 will be selected to each deliver a music or lifestyle link in the hope of making it to the Top 5, adds the radio station.
The 2026 judging panel brings together some of the station's respected voices and leaders. Entrants will be evaluated by station management, The Morning Show host Leigh Anne Williams, The Roger Goode Breakfast host Roger Goode, The Great Drive co-host Celest Anthony, and The Lunch Club co-host Carissa Cupido. Their combined experience, instinct and industry insight have shaped some of the country's radio talent.
The Top 5 will be announced on Monday, 16 March, followed by their live, on-air interviews on The Great Drive from Monday, 16 to Thursday, 19 March, says the radio station.
The journey culminates in a finale on Friday, 20 March, hosted during The Great Drive's live broadcast from the SABC's Sea Point auditorium. The finalists will have one last opportunity compete — rallying the support their family, friends and other supporters to join them in a live, on-air faceoff, before the winner is announced live at the event.
The entire journey will be broadcast on-air as well as across all of Good Hope FM's social media platforms, says the radio station.
Since its beginning in 2009, the platform has launched the careers of some of South Africa's widely known radio voices, including 5FM's Nick Hamman, Rinaldo Felaar, Noni Radebe, Dalin Oliver and Kyeezi. The legacy continues with Mihle Ngxishe, 2024's winner, who is now hosting her own show, Crack of Dawn, every Saturday morning from 04:00 to 06:00 on Good Hope FM.
Ngxishe says, "Winning Good Hope FM's 2024 Presenter Search felt like a jumpstart to the career of my dreams. Completing the world-class training and then getting the added bonus of being part of the station has gotten me some exciting memories — from interviews on the set of Expresso during World Radio Day to being in rooms with truly inspirational women in Cape Town through the Warrior Woman Awards. And how I host my own show. It's surreal. This is an absolutely amazing experience that gives you plenty of opportunities, so you need to knock on that door right now."
Masi Mdingane, Business Manager of Good Hope FM and 5FM, says, "This competition is more than just a talent search. It's a launchpad. We've seen it time and again — one audition can change everything. If you've got the passion, the voice, and the drive to join the legacy that is Cape Town's original, this is your chance to make radio your reality."
The winner prize package includes full radio training by qualified professionals, R5 000 cash, a R3 000 Tiger's Milk voucher and a range of Good Hope FM branded items. The runner-up will also receive a full set of promotional items, with yet more prizes being added to the list as the competition progresses, concludes the radio station,
For more information, visit www.goodhopefm.co.za. You can also follow Good Hope FM on Facebook, X, Instagram, or on TikTok.
*Image courtesy of contributor